Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town has officially kicked off and with designers from across the African continent coming together to showcase their latest and greatest it is bound to be three spectacular fashion-filled days. This season, The Wire will make sure you have front row tickets to all the action! Words: Bianca Agenbag
Meet designer TAIBO BACAR set to show on the 24th of March at 20h30
At the heart of African fashion is Mozambican-born brand TAIBO BACAR, run by creative director Taibo Bacar and model Tatiana Ismael, who doubles as co-founder and brand management. They have become known the world over for timeless creations with an emphasizes on the feminine body that turns every TAIBO BACAR woman a unique being that is envied, respected and adored. Their fusion of high fashion and ready to wear has led tot numerous international awards, styling famous faces and gracing high-end editorial covers! We sat down with Taibo to find out what he has in store for fashion fanatics at MBFW 2017
CSA The Wire: What are some of the elements that we can expect to see in the new collection?
Taibo Bacar: Classic cuts, textiles that go from soft to hard and a lot of inspiration from our culture and costumes.
What inspired the collection?
Our country, traditions, and history – from the colonial era and the essence of the Mozambican women.
How do you approach the production process from beginning to end?
Inspiration/ choose the materials/ pattern making/ tryout/ production/ finishing/ fittings/ DONE!
What criteria do you use for selecting models for your show?
We generally prefer models that look like the women next door, not too tall, not too skinny, confident in her own skin, clean and effortless.
Which designers are you looking forward to most for Fashion Week?
Mille Collines , Laduma, David Tlale and Ituen Basi.
Describe your design ascetic?
Feminine, elegant, simple and comfortable.
Where does your artistic influence come from?From my life experiences, childhood, past, and what I think the future will hold.
How did you get your first break?
In 2012 at the Conde Nast International Luxury Conference in Rome where we did the exposition at the entrance hall.
You were the first African brand to showcase at Milan Fashion Week! Tell us more?
It was quite complicated as they kept on refusing my application for a few months prior to the event. However, I kept on producing different collections, until they finally accepted two weeks before fashion week! It was one of the best experiences and it makes me happy to be able to carry that “title”.
Favourite designer of all time? It all depends on the season. I am inspired by all brands and designers that do amazing work.
5 things every woman should own?
An LBD, 5cm high heels, a pair of pumps, cream, black and nude lingerie and a watch to make sure she’s never late.
If you could have any TV or movie character’s wardrobe, whose would you chose?
Sheikah Mozah
What country would you like to visit from a professional perspective?Lebanon
Interests outside of fashion?
Interior design and flowers.
Where can readers get a hold of Taibo Bacar pieces?
The Taibo Bacar concept store in Maputo.
